Algeria and hosts Morocco have advanced to the semi-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after winning their respective quarter-final matches on Saturday. Both teams also secured qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Algeria staged a remarkable comeback to defeat 10-woman Ivory Coast 2-1 in Casablanca, reaching the WAFCON semi-finals for the first time in their history. Ivory Coast took the lead through Inès Konan before Nsira Ouedraogo was sent off shortly before half-time.
The numerical advantage helped Algeria turn the game around after the break. Inès Khiri levelled the scores in the 59th minute before Amira Ould Braham completed the comeback five minutes later. Ivory Coast missed a penalty through Rebecca Elloh, with goalkeeper Chloé N’Gazi making a crucial save to preserve Algeria’s advantage.
Meanwhile, hosts Morocco defeated former champions South Africa 2-1 to book their place in the last four. Sakina Ouzraoui opened the scoring before Hanane Aït El Haj doubled the hosts’ advantage from the penalty spot. South Africa pulled one back through Thembi Kgatlana, but Morocco held firm to secure victory and a semi-final place.
Algeria will face the winner between Malawi and Ghana, while Morocco will continue their quest for the continental title when the semi-finals take place on Wednesday, August 12.
